Bedford Heights is one of the few communities in Cuyahoga County to have its own Wastewater Treatment Plant. Our plant, maintained by the Water Reclamation Department headed by Director David Pocaro, is an activated sludge plant with tertiary treatment with an average daily flow of 2.5 million gallons, producing clean water that meets Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards, and is discharged via local streams into Lake Erie. The Robert Williford Wastewater Plant, named for the city's first Mayor, is located at 25301 Solon Road. Manned 24-7, the usual workday is from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The phone number is (440) 439-5343.

The City's plant services properties of Bedford Heights as well as some neighboring communities who pay user fees for the service via our facility. The service outreach includes portions of:

City of Warrensville Heights

Village of Oakwood

Village of Glenwillow

City of Solon

Sewer Fee The City can treat sewage from other communities for a fee, thus helping to produce revenue for the City. The City charges one of the lowest sewer rates in Cuyahoga County. The City charges less than the Regional District that serves most of Northeast Ohio and, although the City reviews the fees from time to time, the City continues to charge less than surrounding communities that have their own plants. The City's special Homestead sewer rate for senior citizens is one of the lowest in Cuyahoga County. To qualify you must apply to Cleveland water and be approved for the Cleveland Water Homestead Rate. The City does not have to charge extra property taxes to clean sanitary sewers and storm sewers. This work is done internally by City crews.

The rate charges for each thousand cubic feet (mcf) of sanitary sewer service for the various user classes are hereby established to be in force and effect for the second full consumption quarter following January 1, 2012, as follows:

Such service is available when the drain is completely blocked, disabling usage. The service includes sinks, bathtubs, toilets and drains leading from the home to the street. Homeowners should call the department for assistance with such needs ,so that a work crew can be dispatched for their assistance as efficiently as possible. For best availability, residents should call early in the day so that sewer crew members will be available to service them. In the event such service needs arise outside regular departmental work hours, an employee is on site (maintaining the plant) to take your call. He will refer the information to the Director or otherwise appointed person who will assess the emergency and decide how best to proceed. In the event the service call falls outside the parameters of the service outreach as the City is able to perform it, the City is in most cases still able to help homeowner with identification of the specific problem, saving time and money and thus aiding in the ultimate resolution of the problem for the homeowner. Call (440) 232-8832 for assistance.

Where does Wastewater Come From?

Homes- human and household wastes from toilets, sinks, baths and drains Industry, schools & businesses - chemical and other wastes from factories, food service operations, shopping centers, etc. Storm runoff and groundwater - water that collects in street drains during a storm, as well as groundwater that enters through cracks in sewers On the average, each person in the United States contributes 50-100 gallons of wastewater every day! How do Treatment Plants Protect Our Water? Removes solids - This includes everything from litter and sticks to sand and smaller particles found in wastewater. Removes organic matter and pollutants - Helpful bacteria and other microorganisms are used to consume matter in wastewater. The bacteria and microorganisms are then separated from the water. Restores Oxygen- Treatment facilities help ensure that the water put back into our lakes or rivers has enough oxygen to support life. While lakes and streams clean water in much the same way, wastewater treatment plants are faster and can handle more water. This makes treatment plants essential in areas where there is too much wastewater for nature handle alone.

How Can I Improve Wastewater Treatment?

You can help in many ways...for example:

Disposing of household products safely. Do not pour solvents, pesticides, paint thinners, engine oil or household cleaning products with hazardous chemicals down the drain or into storm sewers. Recycle them at the Public Service garage during designated months or at other hazardous waste collection sites. Use fertilizers and pesticides carefully and only as directed. Try to find safe alternatives to products that can harm water supplies.

Supporting your local Treatment Plant. Be aware of your Treatment Plant's efforts to provide clean water and honor its guidelines. If requested, help make sure that it has the funding, equipment and personnel to get the job done. Visit the local Treatment Plant (as opportunities allow). Ask what special problems it must solve and what you can do to help.

Being Informed. Learn about your local water supplies (the line as it flows) and any possible threats they may face. Know what your community is doing to protect your water supplies. Help other citizens be aware and therefore compliant to the needs and importance of clean water in your community.

Using Water Wisely. Practice water conservation at home and at work. Fix leaks and install water saving devices and appliances. Be aware of how much water you use in your household. Do not take this valuable resource for granted.